The experience and guile of Simon Baldry was sorely missed in Park Avenue’s opening game of the season as he attended his brother’s wedding.

It was a rare match-day off for the player-coach, who was an almost ever-present last season.

Bradford boss Simon Collins knows all about Baldry’s worth to the team, having witnessed it first hand. The pair were in the same Hudders-field Town midfield and experienced some highs.

Collins said: “We certainly missed Si’s craft on the right flank but any club in our league and many from higher divisions would miss his quality.

“He brings a lot to the table because he has been around and seen a lot. He is also very fit and puts loads of effort in.

“He can tie a defender in knots and gets in good positions.

“Once he does, his decision making is excellent and his delivery is spot on.

“That’s all because of his experience, his commitment and his desire.

“With the strikers we have at the club, Tom Greaves, David Heagney, Kevin Sanasay and Marc Smith, I think Si will create a lot of goals this season.

“On the other wing, young Luke Gibson is a great prospect and he can learn a lot from playing alongside Si.”

Former Guiseley and Harrogate Town forward Smith has yet to appear for Avenue after signing late in the close season.

The manager knows it will take a while for Smith to get up to full match fitness but that he will be a great asset.

Collins said: “Marc had a little bit of time out after leaving Eastwood Town, so he knows he has work to do but is progressing well.

“He also has a few personal things to deal with, so he wasn’t available for the midweek game.

“But once he gets sorted, he will be fully committed and a good addition.

“He is a big lad and that always gives you something of a presence in the opposition’s area.

“He is a little bit different to Heagney, who we have asked to drop away from the front man to play in the hole behind, and as much of a threat as Greaves, who deserved his goal last Saturday.”

Greaves scored in the first minute of added time to secure a 2-1 win over promoted Chasetown.

Avenue’s first goal looked as if it might have been an own goal but Rob Tonks has claimed it.

Collins said: “He told us that it wasn’t a cut-back, it was a shot, and it would have gone in without their defender getting a touch. If the keeper had got a hand to it, Greavesy would have tapped it in. Tonksy doesn’t get many goals so I’m quite happy to take his word for it and give him that one.”